The Zaytoun Al-Khair
The "Zaytoun Al-Khair" project is part of the "2200 Tree Planting in Palestine" initiative, aiming to restore Palestinian agricultural lands by planting olive trees and empowering local farmers.
Project Planning
Project Financing
Starting Work
Achieving Achievements
Introduction
The "Zaytoun Al-Khair" project plays a vital role within the "2200 Tree Planting in Palestine”. it was initiative, organized and funded by the Arab Group for the Protection of Nature (APN) which based in Jordan. This campaign, executed in partnership with the Arab Center for Agricultural Development (ACAD) and the Palestinian Voluntary Work Commission, aims to restore Palestinian agricultural lands through the replanting of olive trees, which hold immense cultural, economic, and environmental significance for the region. In the town of Surif, near Hebron, Ramallah, Beirut, Bethlehem, Nablus, Jericho, Jenin, Tubas, Jerusalem, Tulkarm, Salfit and Qalqilya .the project focused on planting 200 olive seedlings, bringing together local communities and organizations. Volunteers from Al-Quds Open University, secondary school students, and international volunteers all contributed to this collective effort, symbolizing a unified stand in the maintenance and restoration of Palestinian agricultural heritage.
Case
Palestine’s agricultural sector has suffered greatly from ongoing conflict, land appropriation, and environmental degradation. The destruction of olive trees, a keystone of the Palestinian economy and cultural identity, has caused significant harm to local farmers and undermined food security. Olive trees, known for their resilience and long-life spans. They are vital for producing olive oil, for sustaining livelihoods and maintaining a deep-rooted connection to the land. Projects like "Zaytoun Al-Khair" address these challenges by directly confronting the loss of agricultural productivity, offering a solution that empowers local farmers to reclaim their land while reinforcing the cultural importance of olive trees in Palestinian society.
Solutions
The "Zaytoun Al-Khair" project delivers a practical and meaning solution to the environmental and economic challenges facing Palestinian farmers. By replanting olive trees, the project helps restore agricultural lands that have been damaged or confiscated, reclaiming them for productive use. The olive tree, a symbol of Palestinian heritage and resilience, thrives in harsh conditions and offers long-term economic benefits through olive oil production. This initiative is part of the broader "Million Tree" campaign, which mobilizes local communities to actively participate in agricultural restoration. By engaging volunteers from universities, secondary schools, and international participants, the project fosters a sense of shared responsibility, making it an effective model for community-driven agricultural development.
Activities
The Activities carry out during the "Zaytoun Al-Khair" project in the town of Surif, near Hebron, Ramallah, Beirut, Bethlehem, Nablus, Jericho, Jenin, Tubas, Jerusalem, Tulkarm, Salfit and Qalqilya were diverse and deeply impactful, involving multiple layers of planning, coordination, and engagement:
- Tree Planting Campaign: The core activity of the project was the planting of 2200 olive seedlings across the agricultural lands of the town of Surif, near Hebron, Ramallah, Beirut, Bethlehem, Nablus, Jericho, Jenin, Tubas, Jerusalem, Tulkarm, Salfit and Qalqilya. This initiative is part of the larger mission to plant one million trees in Palestine, focusing on revitalizing olive orchards that have been destroyed. The campaign was carefully organized, ensuring that the chosen plots of land were properly prepared for cultivation and that the trees would be planted in optimal conditions. The tree planting was a physical action, a powerful symbol of resistance and resilience, representing the determination of the Palestinian people to protect their land and heritage.
- Volunteer Mobilization: A key feature of the project was the mobilization of local volunteers, including students from Al-Quds Open University’s Faculty of Agriculture and secondary school students from Hebron. These young volunteers were actively involved in the planting process, providing valuable manpower and gaining hands-on experience in agricultural restoration. The involvement of youth in these activities fostered a sense of environmental stewardship and social responsibility, ensuring that the next generation is actively engaged in efforts to preserve and protect their natural resources.
- Educational Engagement: In addition to the physical planting of trees, the project also included an educational component. Workshops and informational sessions were held to educate the volunteers about the significance of olive trees in Palestinian history, culture, and economy. Experts from ACAD and the Palestinian Voluntary Work Commission provided guidance on best practices for planting and caring for the trees, ensuring that the volunteers learned the skills necessary to sustain the agricultural process over the long term. This educational aspect transformed the tree planting campaign into a learning opportunity, empowering participants with knowledge about sustainable agriculture.
- International Support and Observation: The project also received international attention, with observers and volunteers from around the world participating in and monitoring the campaign. This international presence brought a sense of global solidarity, drawing attention to the environmental and political challenges faced by Palestinian farmers. The involvement of international participants provided moral support to the local community and helped raise global awareness about the importance of Palestinian agricultural restoration efforts.
- Collaboration and Partnerships: The success of the "Zaytoun Al-Khair" project was made possible through strong collaborations with key organizations. ACAD provided critical technical and logistical support, while the Palestinian Voluntary Work Commission played a vital role in organizing local volunteers. The Freedom and Justice Center also contributed to coordinating efforts on the ground. These partnerships were essential in ensuring the smooth execution of the project, allowing for the efficient use of resources and maximizing the impact of the initiative.
Achieved Outcomes
The "Zaytoun Al-Khair" project delivers a practical and meaning solution to the environmental and economic challenges facing Palestinian farmers. By replanting olive trees, the project helps restore agricultural lands that have been damaged or confiscated, reclaiming them for productive use. The olive tree, a symbol of Palestinian heritage and resilience, thrives in harsh conditions and offers long-term economic benefits through olive oil production. This initiative is part of the broader "Million Tree" campaign, which mobilizes local communities to actively participate in agricultural restoration. By engaging volunteers from universities, secondary schools, and international participants, the project fosters a sense of shared responsibility, making it an effective model for community-driven agricultural development.
Social Impact
The social impact of the "Zaytoun Al-Khair" project was profound. By bringing together a diverse group of participants from different backgrounds and age groups, the project helped to build a strong sense of community solidarity. The involvement of students from universities and secondary schools ensured that the younger generation is actively engaged in preserving Palestine’s agricultural heritage. The project also served as a powerful reminder of the importance of land and heritage, instilling a sense of pride and responsibility in the participants. The presence of international observers and volunteers further reinforced the significance of the project, providing a symbol of global support for Palestinian agricultural rights.
Economic Impact
The economic impact of the "Zaytoun Al-Khair" project will become more noticeable over time as the newly planted olive trees mature and begin producing olives. Olive oil, a staple of the Palestinian economy, plays a critical role in sustaining local livelihoods and contributing to food security. By planting 2200 olive trees, the project is making a long-term investment in the economic resilience of the town of Surif, near Hebron, Ramallah, Beirut, Bethlehem, Nablus, Jericho, Jenin, Tubas, Jerusalem, Tulkarm, Salfit and Qalqilya community. These trees will provide a renewable source of income for local farmers, helping to strengthen the agricultural sector and ensure its sustainability for future generations.
Conclusion
The "Zaytoun Al-Khair" project is a vital component of the broader effort to restore Palestine’s agricultural lands and empower local communities. Through the planting of 2200 olive trees in the town of Surif, near Hebron, Ramallah, Beirut, Bethlehem, Nablus, Jericho, Jenin, Tubas, Jerusalem, Tulkarm, Salfit and Qalqilya, the project has made a meaningful contribution to the environment, the local economy, and the social foundation of the community. The involvement of local and international volunteers, combined with strong organizational partnerships, demonstrates the effectiveness of collective action in achieving sustainable development. By reclaiming Palestinian land, this project serves as a powerful symbol of hope, resilience, and the enduring connection between the Palestinian people and their heritage.